Name: Tony Aiono Jr
School: Ottawa University
Position: DL
Height: 6-0
Weight: 300

Q: What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season? 

Because I was injured during my junior season, my aim was to earn the starting role again. After getting the starting role, the goals became more team-oriented. 

Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?

My coaches and teammates would say that I am a great leader, and a smart, tough, and dependable football player. 

Q: When you are studying film, what are the things you focus on to improve your game?

When watching films, I pay attention to the offensive line’s tendencies and the general formations or personnel that they might play from the alignment that I may line up in. In terms of the offensive line, I like to observe the tiny things they do in various circumstances, as well as some of their strengths and weaknesses, and I simply work hard during the week to overcome them and improve myself.

Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position? 

What differentiates me from other professional prospects in my position? I alternate between DT and N. I can play in both a run-stuffer and a pass-rush formation. I am capable of doing both. Every day, I am eager to learn since no one is flawless in this world. Everyone may be defeated, but it is how you respond to it that matters. I will play wherever the team needs me to play and will offer my all.

Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?

Right now, I am trying to finish school and get my degree this spring but also working out by lifting weights and conditioning here in Ottawa, Kansas. I will be training in Hawai’i this summer and hopefully get picked up by any of the teams. I will do hand-and-eye coordination work and feet work. Also conditioning and lifting weights so I can lose fat weight but gain some muscle weight and maintain 290-300 lbs.

Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?

My flexibility, knowledge, and physicality that I bring to the game and into every part of my life are the characteristics that I could offer to a team that will stand out both on and off the field. I always give everything my all and always complete what I start. Nowadays, not many people have those traits. Off the field, I’d like to serve and give back to the community because I like to help people. 

Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL and any other pro leagues?

Here’s what I’m going to say: don’t underestimate me because I went from one small university. I’m only here at a small university because several recruiters told me I was too short, but my film proves otherwise and they still didn’t want to recruit me. I only need one opportunity, and I will give my all to whoever team picks me up as well as the community.